Finance Committee Update: Sales Tax Asset, Cheaper Fire Services, and Potential 12-Year Tax Exemption for Wareham Development The Finance Committee met on Monday, Nov. 19, just three days before Thanksgiving. Are we feeling thankful? Yes and no. On the positive side, city revenue remains up over last year— the new Target store in town is proving to be a solid sales tax asset—and expenditures by most city departments are down. Doug Robinson, a regular advisor to the city on its investments, reported that our monies are in safe instruments and remain substantially liquid. No surprises here, and we don’t expect any given the city’s conservative investment philosophy. We heard a report on the new contract arrangement with Alameda County for fire services, and aside from a modest increase, county-wide, in overtime costs, the new system looks like a winner for cost savings over all. I should also add that Debra Auker has been named Director of Administrative Services for the city, and she continues her responsibilities for managing financial affairs. The Finance Committee members find her reports and analyses clear. She is also responsive to our queries and suggestions. I think I speak for the Committee when I say that